Water plant clasp

wrote in message
...
Plants often come from pet shops attached at the bottom with a gray metal
clasp. This occurs with plants like Elodea (sp?). My question is: Are
these clasps dangerous for the fish? I have just begun to get into a new
aquarium with my children. I've had them in the past, but can't seem to
remember anything about this and can't find a reference in this or other
newsgroups or on the web. Thanks, in advance, for your help!



I have seen a few debates on this topic, and they never really seem to come
to a decent conclusion. I will, therefore give you my take on them. I'm sure
others will post their disagreement. I'd be disappointed if they didn't.
eg
I have left the lead weights in my tanks on many occasions, and have
never noted a problem. In freshwater, I don't feel the metal will break down
fast enough to cause an issue if normal water changes are done. However,
what I generally tell my friends is if you're concerned, take them out, and
use fishing line to tie them to a buried stone.